Mehrab S.
Yelp
Let's get one thing straight, Caravan isn't the flashiest spot in Seattle. It's not competing with the city's best places in terms of ambience or food. But this restaurant holds a gem-like status for one simple reason:
It's the only Central Asian restaurant in Seattle. A exclusive culinary genre you will fall in love.
And trust me, they're not just filling a gap. They're doing it perfectly.
Whether you're already a Central Asian food lover or just someone who thrives on culinary adventures, Caravan should be on your list. Rarely do I walk into a restaurant and fall in love with every single dish. This was one of those rare occasions.
What I Ordered & Loved:
Samsa -- Think of this as the Central Asian cousin of the samosa, but bigger, flakier, and meatier. House-made crispy pastry stuffed with minced beef and onions, baked till golden brown. It's hands down the best Samsa I've had in the U.S.
Rating: 5/5
Uzbek Dumplings (Manti) -- It's practically a crime to leave a Central Asian restaurant without trying manti -- and Caravan serves some of the best I've had. These steamed dumplings are made just right: thin, delicate dough wrapped around finely chopped seasoned meat. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. One bite and--boom--flavor explosion.
Rating: 4.5/5
Uzbek Plov -- The crown jewel of Uzbek cuisine. A one-pot rice dish made with slow-cooked lamb, sweet carrots, and onions, served with a boiled egg. Aromatic, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. Loved it.
Rating: 4.25/5
Obi Non (Uzbek Bread) -- If you've seen travel vlogs from Uzbekistan, you've definitely seen this iconic bread. I never thought i will find it in seattle! Made fresh daily, it has a golden crust, soft chewy center, and a tang from natural fermentation. Topped with sesame or nigella seeds.
Perfect with soup or yogurt, or just by itself.
Suzma (Yogurt Dip) -- Traditional strained yogurt that's cool, creamy, lightly salted, and gently herbed. I got addicted -- I can't describe how good it is. It pairs perfectly with warm Uzbek bread or grilled meats. A must-order side. 5/5
Kazan Kebab -- This isn't your typical kebab. Juicy, bone-in lamb cuts pan-seared and then slow-cooked with potatoes and onions in a cast-iron kazan. The potatoes soak up all the flavor.
A dream dish for lamb lovers. 4.75/5
Mastava (Hearty Rice & Beef Soup) -- A warm hug in a bowl. Fragrant lamb broth with rice, lamb chunks, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Comfort food, Central Asian-style. 4/5
Carrot Salad (Morkovcha) -- A deceptively simple dish. Shredded carrots tossed in olive oil, vinegar, and dill, light, crunchy, refreshing. This one has a backstory involving Korean roots, but let's save that for another day. 4/5
Laghman -- Central Asian and Uyghur Classic Noodle Dish. Chewy, hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with veggies and thinly sliced beef. Balanced, bold, and hearty. Rating 4.25/5
A Little Backstory:
This spot has a legacy. It's taken a few forms in the last four years -- once called Fitchi House, then run by a Turkmen owner who served Turkmen and Italian dishes, followed by a Kyrgyz woman who made it feel like dining in a Central Asian home.
Now, they told me it's in the hands of a new owner from Chicago, who is already running a central Asian restaurant there-- and he brought his professional chef all the way from there. The result? The food has reached a whole new level.
It's a humble space with just 15 seats, casual and unpretentious. But every bite tells a story. If you try it based on this post, thank me later.
* They don't serve any chicken. Lamb and Beef is zabiha Halal.
